The Schempp-Hirth Nimbus 3 is a single-seat Open Class glider developed for high-performance competition soaring. Discover Schempp-Hirth Nimbus 3 aircraft for sale worldwide on AvPay. Browse active Schempp-Hirth Nimbus 3 listings and find available aircraft across the USA, North America, UK, Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia and South America. Connect directly with aircraft brokers, private sellers, flying clubs, flight schools and manufacturers. Explore the full inventory of aircraft for sale on AvPay here!
Finding a Schempp-Hirth Nimbus 3 for Sale on AvPay
AvPay offers a global marketplace for Schempp-Hirth Nimbus 3 sailplanes, connecting buyers and sellers across the USA, North America, UK, Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, South America, and beyond. Discover your ideal new or used Schempp-Hirth Nimbus 3 glider in our extensive online selection. This high performance single seat competition sailplane remains a serious cross country machine for experienced soaring pilots.
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Interesting facts about the Schempp-Hirth Nimbus 3
✈ The Schempp-Hirth Nimbus 3 is a single seat high performance competition sailplane developed in Germany for Open Class soaring.
✈ Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau designed the Nimbus 3 as a successor to earlier Nimbus models, focusing on greater span and improved glide efficiency.
✈ The sailplane features a wingspan of 22.9 metres, placing it firmly in the large span Open Class category.
✈ With a maximum glide ratio of 55 to 1 at 95 km/h, the Nimbus 3 delivers strong cross country performance in weak and strong conditions.
✈ The aircraft incorporates water ballast tanks with a capacity of 280 litres, allowing pilots to optimise wing loading for racing conditions.
✈ The structure uses advanced composite materials typical of late 1980s high performance glider design, improving strength while controlling weight.
✈ The published maximum take off weight of 750 kg reflects its competition focus and ballast capability.
✈ Many Nimbus 3 examples remain active in European and international soaring competitions, making it a recognised name among experienced cross country pilots.
Model Variants for buyers to consider when purchasing a Schempp-Hirth Nimbus 3
The Schempp-Hirth Nimbus 3 family includes the standard Nimbus 3 and the Nimbus 3T. The Nimbus 3T integrates a retractable sustainer engine, giving pilots the option of self launch assistance or powered climb after a low save, while the standard Nimbus 3 remains a pure unpowered sailplane optimised for maximum performance and lower empty weight. Buyers considering cross country competition with remote land out risk may value the operational flexibility of the 3T, whereas purist racers may prefer the lighter non powered version for marginal gains in glide performance and simplicity.
Schempp-Hirth Nimbus 3 Specifications
Information provided here is as a guide only. This information should not be used for flight planning or other aircraft operations. Aircraft model variations, custom specifications, modifications, upgrades and age will have a considerable impact on the details listed below. Please check with the seller, manufacturer or aviation authority for the precise aircraft specifications.
Length: 7.63 m (25 ft 0 in)
Wingspan: 22.9 m (75 ft 2 in)
Height: 1.55 m (5 ft 1 in)
Empty Weight: 392 kg (864 lb)
Max Take Off Weight (MTOW): 750 kg (1,653 lb)
Water Ballast Capacity: 280 L (74 US gal; 62 imp gal)
Maximum Speed (VNE): 270 km/h (170 mph; 150 kn) in smooth air
Maximum Glide Ratio: 55:1 at 95 km/h (51 kn; 59 mph)
Rate of Sink: 0.44 m/s (87 ft/min) at 75 km/h (40 kn; 47 mph)
Wing Loading: 46 kg/m² (9.4 lb/sq ft)
FAQs About the Schempp-Hirth Nimbus 3
How much does a Schempp-Hirth Nimbus 3 cost?
As of the 2023 to 2024 market period, asking prices for Schempp-Hirth Nimbus 3 sailplanes typically ranged between $70,000 and $120,000 USD depending on condition, total time, avionics fit and whether the aircraft was a standard version or a Nimbus 3T.
Is the Nimbus 3 suitable for low hour pilots?
The Nimbus 3 is a high performance Open Class glider intended for experienced cross country and competition pilots. Its span, wing loading flexibility and performance envelope demand solid soaring skills and energy management experience.
What is the glide performance of the Nimbus 3?
The published maximum glide ratio is 55 to 1 at 95 km/h, placing it firmly in the high performance category and making it capable of long cross country tasks in suitable weather.
Does the Nimbus 3 carry water ballast?
Yes, the Nimbus 3 is equipped with water ballast tanks with a capacity of 280 litres. This allows pilots to increase wing loading for stronger conditions and racing tasks.
What is the difference between the Nimbus 3 and Nimbus 3T?
The Nimbus 3T incorporates a retractable sustainer engine, providing powered climb capability after launch, while the standard Nimbus 3 remains a pure sailplane without an engine.
Get help buying a Schempp-Hirth Nimbus 3
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Sell your Schempp-Hirth Nimbus 3 on AvPay
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Find Finance for buying a Schempp-Hirth Nimbus 3
Need financing to purchase your Schempp-Hirth Nimbus 3 sailplane? Specialist aviation lenders understand the niche nature of high performance gliders and can structure loans based on aircraft age, total time and market liquidity. You should prepare detailed maintenance records and evidence of current airworthiness to support your application. Lenders may assess competition pedigree and engine status for Nimbus 3T examples differently from pure gliders. Comparing fixed and variable rate structures can help you align repayments with seasonal soaring income or club usage patterns.
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Find Insurance for a Schempp-Hirth Nimbus 3
Purchasing a Schempp-Hirth Nimbus 3 sailplane requires specialist glider insurance tailored to high value composite aircraft. Insurers will review pilot experience in high performance sailplanes, annual flight hours and competition participation. Hull value should reflect current market conditions and installed avionics such as flight computers and FLARM systems. If you are buying a Nimbus 3T, underwriters will also assess engine hours and maintenance status. Working with a broker experienced in soaring operations can help you secure appropriate liability and hull coverage at competitive rates.
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